They by Rudyard Kipling

[@oakdew]

Does a comment 3 years after this was uploaded still help you? Thank you for sharing this sweet comforting story with us.

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes it does. Imagine! 3 years ago...

[@mark_tilltill6664]

Excellent eloquently read!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I love the unexpected chortles you often find in these stories. For example, this exchange: '"You're fond of children?" 'I gave her one or two reasons why I didn't altogether hate them.' 😂

[@ClassicGhost]

Some of them you have to read with a straight face even though you know a modern audience will give another meaning to the words.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@ClassicGhost I know. The story I'm working on at the moment has a dog called Brian! And descriptions that make Yorkshire sound like a third world country! Great stuff though. Interested to hear your potted bio of Kipling too. If you haven't already read it, Christopher Hitchens did a good piece on Kipling that made me think about him (Kipling) in a new light.

[@ClassicGhost]

We won't say anything about Yorkshire here.

[@maryjones6722]

One of the best narrators I've heard in a long time x

[@333angeleyes]

THANK YOU! For explaining the ending and deeper meaning because the end confused me.

[@scoutrifle6827]

It's been years since I read this, and it reminds you why Kipling has the glowing reputation he does. Your reading enhanced the story considerably-excellent!

[@ClassicGhost]

It's a lovely story. I will post John Buchan's Fullcircle soon which is a similar tale about a grand old house. A bit like Edith Wharton's Mr Jones.

[@kevinmortimer5681]

A truly magical story in which there is no sense of fear attached to the ghostly encounters, only innocence and a sad yearning. I think the stage at which people will realise what's actually going on will vary considerably, and it puts a whole new context on the question " Have you ever seen a ghost"?.... In all honesty, how many of us actually know whether we have or not? Thank you for your superb reading, you've done a brilliant story total justice!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@tomatoangel1]

I had no idea that Kipling's writing could be so lyrical. Quite lovely.

[@FarmersAreDummies]

I love haunted house tales and I'm glad I found this one. Prefect narration.

[@geraldinetaeckens5873]

What a beautiful story! As a blind woman myself, I love the depiction of the blind woman. It is rare to see a blind character in a story. It isn’t depicted as pathetic, helpless, etc. Of course, as always, Tony, your narration is as beautiful as the story. You are just so delightful and bring such warmth to many peoples hearts. Thank you. It was also fun to listen to your depiction of the Covid years. So glad that’s all over. And you should just do a whole hour of singing songs to us lol nice voice. 57:46

[@ClassicGhost]

Ah yes, these will be my records of the COVID years. Glad they've gone

[@rneustel388]

I love this story so much, and I’ve listened to it several times, but it also makes me almost unbearably sad that he can’t go back again. Your narration (and singing!) was a definite highlight of listening once again!

[@ClassicGhost]

Ah ha. My singing. It had to be done though I did consider just saying it

[@rneustel388]

@Classic Ghost Stories Podcast - Tony Walker Well, I’m very glad you sang it. It added so much emotion, I thought.

[@puca7908]

I very much enjoyed this story, I've always like Kipling's stories. I'm so glad you explained that the motorist had lost a child, and that was why he could see them. I knew the children were ghost from the start, but didn't realize why he could see them. Poignant tale. I stumbled upon you site, but now I'm a subscriber because I enjoyed it so much! Thank you!

[@mares3841]

Spoiler alert!

[@Nothingreallytoseehere]

Hello Tony , thank you so much for reading this beautiful story. I've never read it before. I recently lost my baby and in a way this story has given me a sense of comfort . Not sure how to describe more than that. Thank you again .

[@ClassicGhost]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is a lovely story. Personally, I do believe in another life from this one here. I don't know how it works, but I still believe it.

[@creative2716]

God bless your little one, gone on before you. Prayers for your eventual relief of the pain.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Captivating narration,Tony. Much needed, especially now. Thank you.

[@Cinedragon]

I like the explanations afterwards. Sometimes certain things go right over my head, but your review helps me understand it a lot better.

[@vickinoeske1154]

What a lovely and sad little story.

[@sarahsamaria8283]

What a bewitching story. The house and grounds are just exquisitely described. It likes paradise and like you said knowledge brought his banishment from it. Knew the kids were ghosts as they just beyond our grasps.

[@michaeldean1445]

Thanks Tony.... Very much enjoyed. Kipling more subtle than I'd have expected for some reason. Very nice story.

[@ClassicGhost]

It's a good story. There are various stories about houses like this so I will look some more up, not necessarily by Kipling.

[@doeharris5363]

What a beautiful story l enjoyed it so much told beautifully. Sad ending l was hoping he would stay with her. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@banterj]

I love you …you are just such a gracious man and yes you can ramble on all you want,I LOVE IT,It makes this channel unique to you,I just wish you didn’t apologize so much…maybe it is a British thing,unsure,but be yourself.

[@09purpledyer]

This is a wonderful story. Your voice is like a friend who has called. I really enjoyed your singing.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks!

[@kelliryan464]

the perfect voice. It reminds me of Tom Hiddleston's voice when he reads. Tony's is even better though.

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

I am getting Jim Jams on and tucking myself in. It's early night for me. 💝💝💝💝💝💝🤭 This is lovely thank you. 🥰

[@gigig2492]

I recommend the excellent movie about Kipling’s son “My boy Jack” & includes the poem he wrote about his loss-excellent poem and the story/movie is very touching. Kipling did not have an easy life. Thanks for this. You read (and sang!) this story beautifully.

[@rattyrachel4316]

Saw that movie when it aired on PBS. Poor kid, tried so hard to live up to his father’s expectations. A real eye opener, though, and I did “enjoy” it. Glad you mentioned it.

[@gigig2492]

@@rattyrachel4316 yes it was tragic for the whole family.

[@JulieLevinge]

One of my very favourite ghost stories plus best narration by a country mile, many thanks for this. ✊❤️👍

[@laurabaker8832]

Just stumbled upon this. I appreciated the biographical information on Kipling as I knew very little about his life. Beautifully narrated.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

So nice to hear well-written prose again. Thank you for sharing this engaging story.

[@paulareadman7478]

I love the descriptions of the landscape and house. A wonderful story

[@alancaron984]

I found the terror of the tenant contagious. My favorite short stories are ‘An Habitation Enforced’, ‘At the Tomb of his Ancestors’, ‘Wee Willie Winkie’. Was amazed at the contempt a college educated woman had for Kipling I met at a book conclave. Wokeness isn’t new; I think it started in the sixties? Ronald Colman did a fine job in ‘The Light that Failed’. I wish movies would be made of my aforementioned. And if this was made into a movie, I think it might just scare the hell out of some people?

[@UKerPerspective]

Your chatting always makes me smile 😊

[@ClassicGhost]

Good job as I don't seem to be able to stop

[@glendagraves1637]

That was a wonderful story and wonderfully read. Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@Marie-db3gg]

You sing beautifully, sir

[@ClassicGhost]

ha! I forgot I sang in this one

[@divine.damage]

Thank you! I love these stories.

[@sallythomson7525]

So Happy I stumbled upon you and your beautiful narration. Wonderful story!! Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome!

[@tamarabaluyut3030]

I like Victorian and British

[@taliaj]

I went through a phase when I was in elementary school where I read a number of Kipling's poems and stories. I was astonished by this story, it had a very different feeling and execution than the works I remembered. Truly sublime in its melancholic beauty, yet full of surprising little sunlit treasures as well. Your reading was truly outstanding. I found myself looking up the date. I wondered if this either presaged concerns about his son's participation in WWI or if it followed John's death, but no, "They" is from 1904. Regardless, a keen sense of grief and the translucence of divide between life and death keenly informs this work. The combination of emotions here echoes similar I've felt after a loss, and I was in tears at the end. As much as I've enjoyed your Edith Wharton stories, I find "They" is my favorite from this channel to date. Thank you so much for this wonderful presentation.

[@tcup9258]

Great story , the reading was enchanting . Thank you .

[@raissadevereux6762]

Thank you! A wonderful story. It's the perfect companion piece to Playmates.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

I don't remember this story, if I ever read it. It really drew my interest. Thank you for the explanation at the end which explained something that I missed completely! Very happy that you and your family are well. Greetings from Michigan, USA.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind wishes

[@jpeppin1]

Such a lovely surprise to hear your singing voice!

[@ClassicGhost]

I forgot I sang innit

[@cawiltu]

Great singing voice, sir

[@ClassicGhost]

I forgot I sang in that one!

[@margaretisabellezerner4556]

Thanks for your commentary it adds depth of appreciation of the story

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you for saying that

[@DeWin157]

I found this to be a touching and heart rending story, more spiritual than ghostly in a sense.

[@ClassicGhost]

I agree. It’s a spiritual story

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Amazing story. Great narration. Thanks! I have often heard this story explained and never thought I would like it. Oh, how I was wrong! This is an excellent story. I am so glad I gave it a chance.

[@tricivenola8164]

Albert Payson Terhune, who bred championship collies and wrote about them, was for a time a neighbor of Rudyard Kipling, during his time in Northeast America. According to Terhune, one morning the great writer was in his study working when shadows appeared in the open doorway. There stood a man and young boy. "THAT, Son," said the man sonorously, "Is KIPLING." They stared at each other and then the visitors left. It's years since I read Terhune's account, being only just able to read at the time, and had to ask my parents who Kipling was. A nice introduction! Thank you for this wonderful reading, and for the commentary afterwards. I'm loving your channel.

[@ClassicGhost]

Lovely story !

[@markferguson3745]

Kipling writes in a poetry rare even for the era, ever reminding of the potentials of the language. Maybe I'm just showing age, but I'm highly uncomfortable with Alexa listening in to my conversations,even be they mostly with my cat these days; but then, I've never left media camera screens uncovered, either.NFN, I did graduate high school in 1984...

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes, there must be a horror story involving Alexa out there.

[@wmnoffaith1]

I agree; don't have a cell phone, and I never activated Alexa; even so when you go into your memory, you'll found a data file exactly as long as the exact length of time since you shut your devce and turned it back on. It records everything. I delete it and stop any unnecessary processes all the time; ....but they turn themselves back on.....that's the real horror story

[@vintagebrew1057]

There is a true story on YT regarding a young lad, who, after chatting with Alexa, heard her say these chilling words "I know where you live and I'm coming to get you".....

[@jbos5107]

@@wmnoffaith1 I understand how you feel but not having a cell phone can be dangerous nowadays. I know in the US even a cell phone with no service will connect to 911 as long as there is a cell tower nearby. That's why I think people who travel or young people should have two phones. Hiding a flip phone in a ankle holder could save your life if you're abducted or robbed of your activated phone. But that's just me. Old and paranoid. Alexa gives me the creeps too!

[@wmnoffaith1]

@@jbos5107 I don't disagree with you but I'm not young and don't travel. ,Having a cell phone also means that people always know where you are, and not all people are sane. My sister has an acquaintance who stalks people; she'll go on one date with a guy she meets online, and then she spends days just watching to see where he goes. For instance, he might say he can't see her the next day because he has to work late, she is watching his cell gps, saying He is 37 miles from home; where is he?

[@babs675]

Beautiful reading. Thank you ❤ Thank you also for an outline of the story at the end. I did miss a couple of points, myself, so I found it so helpful. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

+@babs675 Thank you Babs

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Just catching up on a few stories from the back catalog. I love this story, great concept. It's quite touching, I just wish he didn't have to go away forever. Oh and someone has a lovely singing voice I notice! Thanks for the great reading!

[@kelliryan464]

Thank you for narrating one of my favorites. I live in a famous haunted house and have always loved ghosts, yet Alexa terrifies me. Bless you a thousand times. I binge listen while doing my needlework and manuscript illuminating.

[@ClassicGhost]

You live in a famous haunted house? How interesting.

[@kelliryan464]

@@ClassicGhost it appeared in season 2 of Paranormal State (the messenger was the title of the episode) the show people were truly vile and left out all the recordings of the real ghosts in our house and only used their phony footage. When my husband died in our home all unpleasant activity stopped and only happy haunting remains. Sometimes an uneasy nostalgia is felt in the forest surrounding our house. I do love it here. What can be better than a haunted house in the forest at the edge of the sea?

[@martiwilliams4592]

Really love this story. Thank you for introducing us. Wasn't a fan of Kipling in English lit. but you and your presentation has changed my perspective--with the added bonus that dishwashing is no longer a dreaded chore. Dishes magically vanish! Thank you very much, thank your family from me and please, continue for bringing us such enjoyment.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, this is a beautiful visit to the English countryside and a grand old house. Nothing nasty about it. Bittersweet sad at the end, I suppose

[@bethysbarn]

I absolutely love your voice! I’ve just found your channel and I listen to audiobooks every day while I’m doing other things, so I’m really hoping that you have narrated many others, so that I can listen to you reading instead of others who really don’t sound as good or read them half as well as you do! Thank you for sharing 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@ClassicGhost]

Many many many …

[@jhb1493]

Thanks and Greetings from Medicine Hat, Alberta - a place with a strongly remembered link to Kipling!

[@ClassicGhost]

Also one of the best named places on the planet

[@carlapomeroy3808]

What a treat after a long day...rambling through the countryside. Thank you!

[@davidbailey4404]

My particular thanks for this one. Sentimental of me perhaps, but it's always been my favorite of all Kipling's stories. You read (and sang) it beautifully, and your outro added to my appreciation of what is really a very subtle and nuanced tale. Cheers!

[@uslines]

Beautiful prose and reading.

[@harriettemacy7399]

I love Rudyard Kipling and I love your reading. Thank you🌠

[@soniaPrager]

Si beautiful!! Thank you!!

[@DeidreL9]

Such a beautiful story. My late Uncle was immensely fond of Kipling, and now I understand why. The link with Burne-Jones is amazing, he’s one of my art idols. You brought this to life so beautifully and gently. Thank you so much, hi from Melbourne x❤️

[@ClassicGhost]

Hello back. Glad you liked it.

[@barbaraprest783]

I enjoyed that very much - thank you

[@JoannaLopez-h7t]

You read perfectly… your voice and cadence give one the perception of involvement from the periphery. Thank you for sharing your great talent!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@baruchben-david4196]

An excellent story, well narrated. Thank you.

[@57trensota75]

Just right! Lovely story and perfect reading

[@morganlowe3353]

I loved this so much

[@ClassicGhost]

It's a lovely story. Glad you liked it.

[@anaderol5408]

Thank you - most enjoyable.

[@bburns2478]

Excellent!

[@crazy4277]

Thank you! ❤

[@zenamorgan1754]

I can listen to you all day👍❤️

[@poppyconner4636]

Thank you! That was beautifully done

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@julielevinge266]

One of my favourite stories, what a treat to find it here. Beautifully covered✊♥️

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you so much!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

I’ve never heard this until today. Thank you!

[@jaquelineturner6119]

loved this thank you xx

[@Laura-tp8wz]

Just wonderful!!! Thank you!!!

[@RedcoatsReturn]

A strange thing….that many of us have really seen ghosts…even those who are adamant that there is no such thing. The astonishing fact is…we didn‘t even realize they were ghosts!

[@ClassicGhost]

There's a story in that.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

@@ClassicGhost Indeed there is….indeed there is…..kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKbYm3uJf5mshac

[@ClassicGhost]

@@RedcoatsReturn Aha! Great video.

[@wmnoffaith1]

absoutely true!!!! This happened at my great-aunt's wake, my parents were up by the front row, on the receiving line go to each person and kissing them or shaking hands, and saying, "I'm so sorry, etc. etc". On the way back in the car, my father said to my mother "well, Uncle John was looking good". (Uncle John was an old man in his 90s, who was my mother's great uncle). All of a sudden, my mother goes pale, and is startled. She says, "What are you talking about?". My Dad: "I'm talking about Uncle John. He still looks good for his age". My mother was silent for a couple of minutes and then says" Uncle John died around 9 months ago; we went to his funeral, remember?" My father evidently saw my Uncle John standing at the end of the receiving line, and he looked so real, that my father completely forgot that my uncle had died and was buried. This is a true thing that really happened. Now it's funny that my Mom didn't see Uncle John, but my father assuming he was real and not a ghost, didn't exactly go around asking other people if they could see him.

[@cousinsister69]

I often wonder how many people we see that are ghosts. I've seen 3, always so fast but they were exactly like you or me. I knew, or should I say I made the presumtion that what I had seen were ghosts. Because they vanished. I guess there could be other explanations. Hi from Oz. 👇💜🙃

[@carolrios9216]

For once, I just listened to this story in the morning, when I 'm not likely to doze off. I realized that I had never before managed to listen to the end. So that was a real treat, like getting a new story. And what a good one. Definitely my favorite Kipling.

[@greedyfirstalgorithmlast26]

Tony, I absolutely adore this Story, Kipling is a writer I have adored since 1957 when I read Kim and The Jungle Book . I was 7 years old in 1957.

[@ClassicGhost]

It's a lovley story. Very much in the House Beautiful tradition. I like it too. I like it especially because it's a summer ghost story

[@rattyrachel4316]

Tony, I really appreciate your comments and explanations following this beautiful story, particularly regarding the symbolism. It opened up a whole new dimension to an already amazing tale. I enjoyed this story and your narration immensely! Thank you! 🐀

[@creative2716]

Ah! So enjoyed, I'm gonna have another listen. Always loved R.Kipling.

[@samnelson2343]

Thamks as ever, tony. Love your works

[@terigunderson5905]

Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

I am so sorry not to have thanked you immediately! Thank you.

[@BarbaraJV1]

What a sad story. Rudyard Kipling lost his own son, John, very sadly during the 1st world war 😢

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto just as vivid, painful this time around. Masterful, Tony. Thank you.

[@stephenrose1343]

Came across this, looking for a ghost story. I'm glad to have encountered this sympathetic narration of a story that I didn't know. Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@bethanypuleo]

I like the explanation at the end. It's old English, so sometimes I miss a detail or two. I knew the ghost girl had touched the narrator, but I had not connected that it was his own daughter. After the explanation, it made so much more sense. Thank you.

[@vintagebrew1057]

Saving this for the Witching Hour.....

[@nancynickerson4341]

Wonderfully descriptive!

[@susanotway7875]

Another great one Tony! Thank you. Also always enjoy your chat at the end.

[@mariannanickel490]

Tony, I recently found your channel. So glad I have. Your are such a skilled voice actor, and listening to your voice is calming, despite the the ghostly content. I’m a fan!!!

[@ClassicGhost]

I have ambitions to do non ghost story stuff

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto,ditto ditto this time around. Listening on the tv, back to the pc to give lots of thumbs up. Masterful, Tony. Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

This video is getting a lot of interest at the moment. Was it suggested Marti or did you dig for it?

[@martiwilliams4592]

@@ClassicGhost I searched for it. I really love this story Your narration enhances it. Lots of minds with a single thought perhapsThank you, again.

[@robynhenry2607]

Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book!!

[@carollynnberwindscheffler398]

8 just now reading your comment put that together!!!¡! How did I miss that????

[@brendangilmore4297]

When you mentioned an Indian story I immediately thought of The Moonstone by Wikie Collins

[@benitaager7567]

So great to listen to. Brilliant story teller

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

My favorite book by him is Tales from the Hills. Some of them are absolutely hilarious, and some are so well written, and have so much pathos, you can be moved to tears. If you haven't read it, it's a must read. In my top 10 favorite books.

[@gailpinto4571]

I'm from India, and I have to say that I love your channel - moreso for your comments at the end. I've always wanted to discuss a story after I've read it, and you do that, and it just feels so complete. Your own short stories inspire me (I'm working on some fiction myself at the moment and I need all the inspiration to keep going!) and I enjoy them so much. If you're looking for some spooky Indian fiction, I would suggest Ruskin Bond. The unfortunate part about Indian fiction is most of it just isn't written down (especially the folklore), and what is, is in regional languages like you mentioned and hasn't been translated.

[@ClassicGhost]

I'll take a look at Ruskin Bond. Thank you :)

[@janisbaumrucker3431]

Your voice is hypnotizing.

[@BigDog366]

I bet the line 'I stood up in the car' confused some younger listeners!

[@railway-share3820]

I used to live in the next village to where Batemans (Kipling's house) was. Never visited the house though although I was sometimes in the village. The Sussex countryside often has a dreamy quality. A good story, well read.

[@bethanypuleo]

I do like that the peasants both don't like the car but also acknowledge later that if they had a car, then probably some of the sick children would have survived. Just a bit of irony. 😉

[@martiwilliams4592]

Has it really been a year? Listening again with a slightly different perspective, "new" ears. Masterful, gripping narritive as always, Tony. Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

it might be 2 you know, or 3

[@amysays3980]

To have one more contact with a loved one that's passed on, what a gift that would be 💔

[@Idazle]

I had read Kipling's story before but it's certainly a completely "enhanced" experience to listen to it in this superbly narrated version. By the way, aeropress is one of my favourite coffee brewing methods :-) Thanks for the narration!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for the coffee Carlos!

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes I have an aeropress

[@ZenBreeze]

I completely missed those subtleties. Thank you for your informative comments after the story.

[@ClassicGhost]

They're only ideas.